IMF says it will start negotiations with Tunisia within weeks over loan program

The International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday it welcomes the economic reforms program announced by the Tunisian government this month, adding it is ready to start negotiations with Tunisia in the coming weeks over a loan program.

Tunisia, which is facing a financial crisis, is seeking to reach a deal on a $4 billion IMF loan in return for an unpopular reform package to shore up its struggling public finances.

The IMF statement comes after a visit of Jihad Azour, director of the Fund's Middle East and Central Asia Department, who met President Kais Saied and Prime Minister Najla Bouden.